'Les Misérables' secret New York screening gets standing ovation

A secret screening of Hugh Jackman's upcoming film Les Misérables received a standing ovation from critics, it has been reported.

Starring Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried, the film is an adaptation of the best-selling musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo.

Directed by The King's Speech helmer Tom Hooper, the musical is the first to feature actors singing musical numbers live.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie was secretly screened for the first time on Thursday (November 22) at New York City's Lincoln Center to a select group of critics.

The film and Hooper, who was present at the screening, received a ten-minute standing ovation from journalists, many of whom predict that Oscar nominations are likely for the production.

Hooper, who had just celebrated Thanksgiving, told the crowd: "I'm grateful that I finished it [the film]... I'm grateful to the thousands of people who have been on this journey, particularly the wonderful cast... and I'm grateful to Victor Hugo, who unfortunately can't be with us."

Les Misérables is released in the US on December 25, and in the UK on January 11, 2013.